Multi-Pump Compounding Manifold for Accurate Low-Volume Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compounding devices face inefficiencies in setup time, downtime during ingredient replacement, and accuracy at small dispensed volumes, with challenges in maintaining aseptic conditions and preventing errors in fluid transfer and path connections.
Innovation Solution
A compounding device with a housing featuring micro and macro valve actuation devices and pumps, a sensor bridge for bubble and occlusion detection, and a controller for coordinated actuation, allowing for precise and efficient transfer of materials from multiple sources to a final container, with interchangeable rotors for extended pump life and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional volumetric devices use peristaltic pump mechanisms with stepper motors, then they can deliver materials with measurable precision, but accuracy diminishes over time due to wear on pumps and tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical peristaltic pump mechanism with a gravimetric measurement system using load cells to weigh materials directly. This substitution eliminates wear-related accuracy degradation because gravitational measurement does not depend on mechanical components like pump tubing that deteriorate over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically compensates for material-specific variations by measuring weight rather than relying on mechanical delivery consistency. The load cell system self-adjusts for different material densities and delivery rates, eliminating the need for manual recalibration due to wear.
2Reliability
If gravimetric devices use load cells to measure material weight, then they are not affected by air delivery when source containers run empty, but they require calibration for each ingredient using reference weights
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell system serves multiple functions: it measures material weight for dosing, detects when source containers are empty, and provides feedback for calibration verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms and simplifies overall system operation despite the calibration requirement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compounding devices use multiple pumps and valves for transferring materials, then they can handle multiple ingredient sources, but setup time and downtime during ingredient replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single gravimetric delivery system that weighs and dispenses multiple ingredients sequentially through one controlled outlet. This merging eliminates the need to switch between multiple pump mechanisms during ingredient replacement, reducing setup time and downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by automatically managing ingredient transitions through the gravimetric measurement point. When one source container is depleted, the system seamlessly transitions to the next ingredient without requiring manual intervention or pump replacement, ensuring continuous compounding action.
4Measurement precision
If volumetric devices use pump tubing with specific dimensions and materials, then they can calculate delivered volume based on tubing properties, but variances in tubing material, length, elasticity, and diameter affect delivery accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the volumetric calculation method based on tubing properties with a direct gravimetric measurement system. By weighing the material delivered, the system eliminates dependence on tubing dimensions, material consistency, elasticity, and diameter, thereby removing the source of volumetric accuracy variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device reduces downtime, improves accuracy at small volumes, enhances aseptic maintenance, and prevents errors by using a coordinated system of micro and macro pumps and sensors to ensure precise fluid transfer and handling.
Implementation Method 1
Gravimetric devices generally use a peristaltic pump mechanism combined with a weight scale or load cell to measure volume delivered. The volume delivered is calculated by dividing the weight delivered by the specific gravity of the ingredient.
Implementation Method 2
Gravimetric devices generally use a peristaltic pump mechanism combined with a weight scale or load cell to measure volume delivered.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An exemplary compounding system and method can include two pump heads for simultaneously drawing two different fluids from at least two separate input containers such that the at least two different fluids are mixed and distributed to an output container. The system can include a manifold that maintains separation of certain of the different fluids until after passing by a first pump and a second pump and/or additional pumps. A junction can be placed in the fluid line downstream of the first and second pumps and/or additional pumps such that all or some of the fluids are mixed prior to output to the output container. The method of using the system can include incorporating software that selects various fluids at certain times and sequences to ensure optimum efficiency and safety for the system, and can continue compounding actions even when an input supply container runs out or otherwise fails to supply a particular fluid/material. The method of use also includes connection of a transfer set to a housing in a manner that further ensures optimum efficiency and safety.